Turkey Day Break

At last, Sunday has come and Thanksgiving Break has come to an end. I went home last Tuesday afternoon and came back today in the afternoon. Break came just in time, last week, I was sooo ready to go home! I was pretty burnt out from the entire semester and needed a break before I go hardcore for finals!

Being at home was great! I had a lot of fun with family. On Thanksgiving, I had dinner with my immediate family. It was only the four of us, but it was fantastic. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays where everyone makes it a point to be home. Every year it gets increasingly difficult to get the entire family in one place.

I also did a bit of studying while I was at home, but saved all of Friday to hang out with my friends. I got to see one of my good friends from back home, Jen. She goes to the University of Connecticut. I almost went to UConn, but instead decided to go to Siena. It was the best choice I've ever made, and if I could go back in time, I'd make the same choice. However, I still ask about UConn a lot and wonder what it would be like if I went to school there. She's actually a CA at UConn which is a Community Assistant. It's the same as my RA job, so I talk to her a lot about her job and how UConn's Res Life is set up. Below is a picture of a couple of the friends I hung out with on Friday. We went to Gillette's Castle in CT and saw a vegetable cellar, so naturally, we took a picture in front of it.


Now I'm back at school and I've already started doing homework. I'm on duty later tonight, so I wanted to get the bulk of my work done before then. This week is going to be pretty busy for me. I've got a Sociology group project with a 10 page paper, a Histology group presentation on Tuesday, a Spanish group presentation due next monday which needs a full written script and videotaped, and... i have to read a full spanish play by the end of the week. Not to mention my Hisotlogy lab practical is this upcoming Wednesday. Oh! and a Religion paper I have to revise and submit.

Yeah, its a lot of work to get done in a week, but its certainly doable. I just have to crack down and make sure I'm efficient with my time. Finals start Wed the 10th and my two big finals are on that day, so as long as I can make it through the next 10 days, I'll be fine.

:o) I'll keep you folks posted on how all my projects, presentations, and papers go.

until next time,

Indira

Thankful for Thanksgiving Break

It is 10:30 A.M and I, as I have been for the last fours days, am in my pajamas. It's a beautiful thing! Thanksgiving break is great not only for well, Thanksgiving, but also for catching up on all of that neglected schoolwork that has accumulated over the past few hectic weeks of the semester. I am pleased to report that over break I finished a seven page paper on what makes congressmen vote the way they do, and a ten page paper on the connection between love and death in the opera Tristan und Isolde (talk about different topics!). This comes as a relief seeing how both papers are due the week I get back from break and that I hadn't even started working on them before break. There is no way I would have had time to work on these papers if I had gone to class all of last week. So you'll understand why I say I am thankful for Thanksgiving break!

Hope you are all doing well,
Mike DiSiena

2 Days!

Hey all-

Apologies for my absence this last week or so. Things have been crazy recently! I realized that I never properly introduced myself last blog. My name is Conor Geary. I'm a Senior Marketing and Management major with a Philosophy minor. I'm from East Hartford, CT. I love playing soccer, sleeping late, and of course- long walks on the beach. Now for some updates: I just finished shooting a commercial for one of my classes and I will be spending the rest of today editing it for my project. It looks great! Campus-wide elections were also held over the last couple of days and today we will find out who will be taking over the Class Councils, Senate Executive Board, and the Student Events Board offices. It's a bit bittersweet for me because I've had a great time as Senate President and I'm ready to hand the job over but I will certainly miss it.
Classes are going well. I just found out one of my finals is take home to that made my life. In another class (called QBUS 300- business operations management) we have to meet with a manager from a local company or organization. My group was allowed to study the Albany Medical Center which is awesome. No one in the professor's history has studied the operations of a hospital, so hopefully that goes well.
And then of course there's Thanksgiving. I can't wait to have 5 or 6 days with my friends and family- good food- good drinks- good times. I hope your holiday season goes well.
Men's Basketball is 2-0 with big win over Boise St. and Cornell. Thousands of people head to the Times Union Center which is such a fun time. If you get a chance, I highly recommend checking out a game to see what Siena spirit is all about!!
OK, I'll check back in soon. Time to edit some video and count some votes. GO SAINTS!

The Spring Schedule

Hey everyone...

Hope you are all getting ready for turkey day. I know I'm counting down the days. The semester is coming to an end fast. It's about time to start thinking about finals and getting into classes for next semester. Although it's tempting to relax and have a good time over break, a lot of my time is going to spent with a book cracked open studying. I have three exams the week I come back and finals the week after that. Talk about being burnt out. But first things first, Monday is going to be a big day. I have to sign up for my classes next semester. After taking Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, and Foundations, I've realized how much of a work load the science field requires to be successful and how much harder you have to work compared to high school. I've come to the conclusion that I dislike Biology with a passion, therefore, instead of being a Biochem major I'm looking at majoring in Chemistry. NO BIO!! YAY...I can't wait to get a new schedule although I'm worried that it's going to be pretty awful times for classes since I'm second to last in the sign up order. Schools been hard trying to manage my work load, doing work study, playing hockey, and trying to keep up some type of social life. A good schedule and a good work study job will be key to a successful semester. I want all my same professors again, but I know it probably won't happen. I've grown attached, though I'm sure there are others that are just as good. I hope all goes well. I'll fill you all in as soon as the deed is done...(I'm sure your all on the edge of your seats just as I am. =])

Take it easy....

Josh B

Thankful.

Hi Everyone!

I am very sorry that I have no blogged in these past two weeks. I have just been so busy with paper after paper and presentation after presentation.

This past Wednesday I was the student speaker at an admissions program called Long Island Student Reception. My speech came out quite well and everything went perfect. However more importantly, I had the opportunity of meeting so many great prospective students and family. As I moved from table to table introducing myself, I really felt a sense of community which is so evident here at Siena. I even met three families who read my blogs! (If you guys are reading now, I would really appreciate you leaving a comment with some contact information with your email so we can speak further about Siena!)

The speech went fabulous and the admissions team that went with me were incredible. We all worked the room and heard so many great stories. Your lives are full of excitement and it was a privilege meeting you all. As your high school story comes to an end, you are beginning a new, more exciting chapter in your life. College! And to quote my speech, "It's about a new beginning, a fresh start! It's about advancing education, having fun with new friends and embracing whats different while simultaneously appreciating what you have. It's about finding out who you are and what you really believe in. It's about getting involved and making the most of each new day. As Bob Marley sings, "Rise up this morning. And smile with the rising sun." Welcome to College! The best four years of your life."

I really do hope you call Siena home for the next four years of your life. It has been the best decision of my life, no question.

We are now only 6 days from Thanksgiving! I cannot wait to go home and see my family. We have no class on Wednesday, therefore most of the students are leaving Tuesday afternoon. Not only do I love to eat the amazing home cooked meals (which now come not so frequently anymore) but I love sitting around the table and discussing life with my mom, dad, older brother John and my twin sister, Lindsey. I come from a very small family. Each Thanksgiving, I grow older and more mature and this year I finally understand its true meaning. Of course, Thanksgiving has a different meaning for all of us, but for me its having the chance to be around family that I often take for granted. Home really is where my heart is. I'm thankful for coming home to a warm house full of love and memories and of course with the sweet aroma of fresh cooked foods. I have matured into a fine young man throughout my year and a half here. Siena has instilled so many new values and morals within me and everyday, I live my life by putting what I learned into action.

I am so happy to be home with my immediate family, but I am going to miss my Siena family. For me, that is my roommates and friends, Brian, Greg, David and Chris. My future best men at my wedding. We are our own family and I am so thankful to have them in my life. You guys support me on my good days and bad days, and sometimes my bad days outnumber my good days but you all are always there for me.

So now as I close out my blog,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I hope your college home is just as good as mine and I am most certain that you will find success in wherever your life brings you. I also, hope your road leads you to Siena College's Class of 2013.

Love,

Patrick Creegan

As time goes by...

Well, its about time to start gearing up for Thanksgiving break. Come next Tuesday, I'll be home for nearly a week. This year, at Padua Hall, Thanksgiving came a little bit early. Our Hall President decided to hold a dinner for the whole building in the lobby area. There was all the food you would expect for a Thanksgiving dinner (at first mashed potatoes were not included on the menu but public outrage from us students changed that). The food was great and it was nice to spend some time with people who, although they live in the same building as you, you never get much time to talk with.

After Thanksgiving break there are only six more days of classes and then finals (I can't believe it!). This semester, just like every other semester flew by. I remember thinking that High School went by fast, and, it definitely does. But I have to say College goes by just as fast, if not faster. So enjoy the time you have and enjoy your Thanksgiving break!

Until next time,
Mike DiSiena

Eat your frogs !

So, another busy week here at Siena College. I am leaving Monday afternoon to head home for Thanksgiving break…I can’t wait to see my family and my friends! I haven’t been home in a long time. Siena has such a strong sense of community and my group of friends here are like my family.
It always gets very stressful towards the end of the semester…I feel like I have a project for every class coming due and it takes a lot of planning and level-headedness to not let things hinder your performance or prevent you from getting things done. Time management is a critical skill that is important to focus on developing because without it you will struggle to accomplish tasks and goals and stay ahead. I would like to share with you a few excerpts from an article someone sent me called “Eat That Frog” about time management and procrastination (something we are all guilty of). Here are a few of the main points I found to be very meaningful:

-Frogs are important tasks that we put off for whatever reason…we all have them!

-Action is the key to accomplishment

- If you eat a live frog each morning you will know that you have already experienced the worst thing that will happen to you that day.

-Frogs are the tasks that you know are priorities but that you’ve put on the back burner

-Select your most important challenge-that big old frog-and address it effectively

-Time management is really just taking control of the sequence of events that effect your life.

Siena recognizes that students need to know how to effectively manage their time in order to be successful. Since my freshmen year I have learned a significant amount about prioritizing and organizing my tasks. Professors, peers, career center, student organizations, academic support center, alumni, and a plethora of other resources exist here for you to learn from.

Until next time,
Greg

Fall Fusion 2008: Welcome to the Jungle!

Fall Fusion, its the multicultural show that Siena's Asian Students Association and Black and Latino Student Union put on every Fall. I am usually in at least one or two acts for the show. Typically I dance, either hip-hop or some form of modern Indian dance. I've never formally taken dance lessons before, but it's a lot of fun to put something together with friends.

This year, the theme for the show was Welcome to the Jungle. It took days of prep to decorate the room. We painted animals, made pillars into trees, and made the Maloney Great Room into a full out jungle. The decorations looked amazing.

I was only in one act this year with the Siena College Bhangra team, but it was so much fun! The show was awesome! It took months to prepare, but in the end, it was all completely worth it. Below is a picture of our final pose from the Bhangra Team. I'm all the way on the left. Unfortunately, I'm slightly covered by one of our adoring fans.

Thanksgiving break!!!

How is everyone doing?.....I am soooo stoked for Thanksgiving I can almost taste the tender turkey, the moist stuffing and the sweet apple pie upon my taste buds. Yum! Any home cooked meal at this point will be much appreciated. Don't get me wrong the food at Siena is pretty good. The wrap shop and Sub shop always have some delicious food, but nothing compares to mom's shepards pie or dad's corn chowder. On top of the food I'm ready to go back to be with the family for a week. My dad and I love to hunt so I know for at least two days we will be up to camp with my uncles, trekking the mountain and maybe getting a deer. It will be nice to be able to catch up with old friends as well. I haven't been home in two months with hockey and work and all, so a change of pace should be good for me. As we speak college life is hectic. Finals are approaching. Not a lot of sleep is to be had. With my schedule its been hard to keep up as I've mentioned before, so you can image how much this break is welcomed to me. Today, I actually went to my chemistry professor looking for help. My grades are starting to slide the closer to the end of the semester we get. I was really discouraged that my hard work wasn't paying off, but she managed to raise my spirits, pointed me in a direction for better studying habits and ultimately gave me the boost I needed to get through. If for any reason you have questions or are seeking advise, the professors are awesome at Siena. Even if they don't have office hours that fit your schedule they are willing to meet upon appointment or even sometimes if you simply walk into their office. Most professors are extremely flexible with their hours and are willing to help any time. Hopefully, my professor's boost will get me through till Thanksgiving and finish out strong for the first semester of my freshman year, but lets take things one step at a time eh?

Take it easy,

Josh Baillargeon

Hey everyone!

Sorry I’ve been so busy. Last week was crazy!
Delta Sigma Pi, my business fraternity, co-sponsored the annual Networking and Mentoring night last week. Over 100 alumni and professionals from corporate America were in attendance talking about their professions and giving students information about internship and job opportunities that are available. Siena has an excellent reputation for preparing students to be successful in their future professional endeavors after graduation. A tremendous emphasis is placed on career counseling and preparation: from resume critiquing, industry advice, career fairs, etc. Most students have jobs before they even graduate and basically all students are employed full time within like 6 months of actually graduating. Career placement information is something that is so important to consider when looking at colleges…even though you may think its not important to consider right now because it is too early (FALSE)!

Anyways, anyone out there from Westchester County?!? If so, be sure to attend the student reception this Thursday evening at the Westchester Marriott! Its an excellent opportunity to learn more about Siena, talk to current students, as well as discuss the college search process with other prospective students as well. Oh yea…and yours truly will be the featured speaker ;-) so get excited! You will get to hear from me, first hand, why I chose Siena and why you should too! (PS- if you do attend, don’t be shy! be sure to come talk to me and tell me you read my blog! I will be so excited!)

Hope to see you there,
Greg Papa

Planning Ahead

As I recall, the process for signing up for courses in high school was fairly straightforward. You didn't have too many options (or at least that was my experience). Well, here at Siena it seems like there is an endless list of courses that you can take...anything from a course on the Symphonies of Beethoven, to Greek and Roman Philosophy, to Chemistry in the News. We're at the point in the semester when we start selecting what courses we will take next semester. There are numerous required courses you must take here at Siena, but at the same time, your options can be overwhelming at times.

Don't worry though, Siena assigns you to a faculty member, known as your advisor, who will help you along the way. In fact, Siena requires that you meet with your advisor so that your academic experience goes smoothly. It's hard to say how valuable your advisor can be. I don't know if I told you but I am a political science major and a philosophy major. That means I have to take required courses to earn a major in both categories. Needless to say it can get difficult keeping of track of what you need to take.

In any case, I have met with my advisor and in less than 15 minutes we were able to figure out what I should take for next semester. What a relief!

Until next time,
Mike DiSiena

"An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered."~G.K. Chesterton

SLI Conference

November 7th 2008... yupp, thats the big day!

Its the day of the annual SLI Conference... which stands for the Siena Leadership Institute. Yeah, its kind of a big deal.

I'm actually an SLI Fellow, which means I was nominated for the position, then had to apply for it and be selected. I'm one out of about 12 other fellows who have come together for this one year commitment. We meet once a week for an hour and work on our leadership skills. In the Spring of '08, we went on a weekend retreat where we got to know each other a little better and did teambuilding excersizes. Our big project in the spring was to plan a service project. We went to the Ronald McDonald house and cooked dinner for them. Now, in the Fall of '08, our big project is the conference, which is this Friday!

All of the fellows had to come together to plan this huge event. We were each put in charge of sub-categories and for the past few months, we've been pulling it all together. In order to attend the conference, students must be nominated by Faculty and Staff. This year we had more than 450 student nominees. Of those students, almost 200 of them are planning to attend the conference.

At the conference, there will be a keynote speaker, teambuilding excercises, two sessions (of which there are multiple workshops to choose from) and a closing address given by Fr. Kevin Mullen, the president of Siena College. You also get a certificate of completion for attending the conference. I attended as both a Freshman and a Sophomore, and now I'm hosting it!

Typically, the keynote speaker is at the conference, but this year, our speaker is leaving the day of our conference because he is recieving another award. Therefore, he will be giving his keynote address the night before, Thursday. As a result, the SLI fellows and nominees are invited to hear him speak on Thursday, and then the SLI fellows, both past and present, are invited to breakfast with him on Friday morning, 7:00 am. (yeah, its pretty early) This year, our keynote speaker is Dr. Chris Howard, Vice President for Strategic and leadership Initiatives at the University of Oklahoma. If you've got a spare moment, you should look him up!

But for now, its crunch time! There's plenty to do in order to get ready for the conference! With that being said, I should probably get some work done. I've got to get work done so I can go to bed early tomorrow night, or else getting up early enough to be in business attire for 7:00 am is not going to be an easy task!

Until next time, Indira

No Halloween for me!! :(

Hey everyone hows it going?,

I got to tell ya'll, I'm not one that gets into the spirit of Halloween, but in college it is a whole different story. This was the first year since I was about 7 when I was actually counting down the days for the fun holiday. Two weeks ago I was planing on going to get a costume with my buddies, dressing up as one of the six Village People, and having a good time on the town with them. However, as usual, my plans got messed up once again. The weekend before the big holiday, coach tells us that we are going to spend our Halloween weekend on the road in NY and in NJ. I was devastated to say the least! Me and about 25 other guys saw our fun weekend fly out the window. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the game of hockey, but Halloween in college is a holiday that you never want to miss. Dorm hallways are decorated, candy is being passed out everywhere you go, and some of the the costumes that people are decked out in are AMAZING! :) For the past month its been the only day that the kids on campus have been talking about. It's been on everyones mind since the beginning of school. AND I MISSED IT. I wished I could have given you the details on how great it was, but I guess I'm going to have to wait until next year. We won our games by the way 7 2 and 17 1. Yeah, we kick butt eh?? I played well in the game I was in net for, so that was always good, although I'm still bumbed about what I missed. I hope your Halloween went well. I got to stop thinking about it! :) See yah later....

Peace,

Josh Baillargeon.............